Tag: the growlers

The last few years, my record collection has grown in size, due greatly to the productivity of The Growlers. Last year, they had Hung at Heart, which made it into our Top Ten Albums of the Year, plus an EP; this year they released Chinese Fountain this week…again, already winning those of us at ATH over. It’s this combination of jangling pop, Cali swagger, and even a hint of some folk elements…all things I can get on board with. So, if you’re looking to make a splash with a date, or just catch a really incredible show, you should head over to Scoot Inn on Saturday night to catch these guys. You can pick up tickets HERE. The show will start at 9:00 PM, but doors are at 8, so you can come in early and grab a drink with the friendly staff.

Last year, The Growlers found their way into our Top 10 Albums of 2013, but it looks like they’re aiming for a repeat with the release of their new record, Chinese Fountain. They’re off to a great start with this swaggering new single they released the other day; it’s filled with ringing guitars work and a really catchy chorus…you know, the type you want to sing with your friends. I guess I’m just one of those folks who can’t get enough from this band; they always mix a certain catchiness with a bit of hip grit. You can grab their record from Everloving Records on September 23rd.

If you haven’t gotten aboard the Growlers train, it’s time you all jump on this train. They actually had two releases last year, and already they’re back with another one, lined up for later this year. Hung at Heart was a great LP, so we expect more of the same, especially after indulging in this latest single. It’s got their soulful swagger, yet this song seems to hold more onto the traditional ballad format; that’s not a bad thing, just a slightly different spin on their sound. Their new album is title Chinese Fountain, which will see a release of September 23rd via Everloving Records.

Making our year-end list of Top Albums is never something we take lightly. We realize that it’s rather arbitrary in the grand scheme of things, but we realize that our role is to at least toss out our opinion, however meaningless it may be. In the long run, we had to take the tastes of several people, and whittle it into a list of 50 great albums that we think are vital to your listening experience. We know it’s a matter of personal tastes, but the records below are reflective of our tastes and our site, so don’t get mad, they’re just opinions. But, feel free to tell us where we went wrong, or what we might have missed. If you click on the album titles, you can also read our full reviews of each album, save the ones that we didn’t get to in time. Sorry we don’t like Kanye.

Admittedly, this album makes nods to folk troubadours of Christmas’ past, but what grabbed me from the moment I heard this record was the sincerity in what’s being created. In leaving us with a stripped down listen of folk tunes and incredible poetry, we’re asked to look into the history of American songwriting tradition; it’s been awhile since it was executed so well.

I’d put this album on any list for one song alone, “Someday.” But, it just so happens that the rest of the album maintains the sensation that’s established on the opening track. I’ve heard it referenced as a surf-psych opus, but what’s been assured in my mine is what an incredible listen we’re all be treating to when we put Hung at Heart on our record players.

Hether Fortune seems to scare people. Her work is in your face, never making an excuse for who she is or what she believes. That attitude carries on into her music, allowing listeners to experience a musical world void of any pretense. The songs on this album are angular, dark and abrasive; the vocals have Hether dominating the scene of modern lady rock warriors. If you don’t dig it, she doesn’t care, but I do because this record rules.

While many of the songs on this effort leaked out before under various EPs, the whole masterpiece exists in the way it was tied together as a complete work. It’s operatic and grand at every corner, but it’s also undeniably a pop record. The emphasis might revolve around the more artful spectrum of pop music, but this is an album you can play for everyone in your family, and they’ll all find themselves swept up in the wonderment of Privilege.

What else really needs to be said about The National. They consistently make great albums that are lauded then often overlooked, but we didn’t want to do that to one of our favorite acts. I mean, if they played 8 shows in 8 days, we’d be at every one, and the DJ set after party. Their accolades and recognition are warranted, and it’s especially clear on this, their latest release.

When listening to Pass the Ringo, I thought of one thing: this is the sort of record that makes a small label, like Loglady Records, a household name. It’s spun around garage rock and psych rock structures, whilst still maintaining an accessibility that few people working in that genre achieve. Some albums can play in the background of your house, and might be happy to do so, but Legs created something that made me stop and listen at every turn; I’m thankful for that.

Someone For You came our way in January. On my record player, it hasn’t left since. This is one of the most rewarding power-pop records I’ve gotten my hands on, and trust me, I’ve gotten my hands on a lot of great records. Each song is filled with innate hooks and garage rock grit, encouraging you to tap your toes for the entirety of the record. You’d think after a full year our interest would have waned, but with time we’ve only grown to appreciate the record even more.

At the moment, there’s not too many people releasing music that’s the quality of Mathew Cothran and Coma Cinema. There are elements of the bizarre, similar to the work of early Elf Power, yet there’s this intimacy that artists like Eliott Smith were able to create with their listeners. You wrap that up and put it in a package of pop sensibility, and you have an album that can’t be ignored.

In today’s musical climate, we buy into the fact that artists have to be doing something strange, or something that’s vastly different from their peers. But, in the grand scheme of things, we often forget what it’s like to take enjoyment out of the music. This album was one of the many reminders that music, when it’s good, can be quite special. Every song here is a single, and worth your time; it’s the best thing Laz has done, and I feel like he’s just really getting started.

This album is about Devon Welsh. From the first instant I heard his voice, it took hold of me. Throughout the year, Impersonator, consistently played on my radio. His voice was mesmerizing, captivating audiences on several occasions in Austin, convincing us to be as quiet as a mouse, so as to hear every note. The unique quality of the album will reward listeners for years to follow. It made us believe in great music again.

We’ve put our pretty little heads together ladies and gentlemen to bring you our favorite songs from this past year. It was a difficult task with our ever growing staff, but we feel like this list best represents the diverse taste of our staff. Love it or hate it, it’s ours to call our own. Hit play and put your head down or dance or shimmmy or drool or whatever works. Most of all we hope you hear something you missed, something you want to buy or something you want to see live.

Scroll past the playlist for full the run of the bestest songs ever this year.

California based band The Growlers have been on our radar for a long time and we’re glad that they’re coming back in 2013 with a brand new EP. This track “Humdrum Blues” is a taste of the new material and it couldn’t get me more excited for some new tracks from the group. If you weren’t already paying attention to these guys, you should be know fools.

One of the great things I love about Austin Psych Fest is the way the festival is slowly branching out beyond your stereotypical psychedelia into related territory. This is the perfect case for Cali’s The Growlers, who do have some lineage, though I think their recent efforts put them well outside that spectrum. Honestly, this is the highlight for the festival in my opinion; I’ve been jamming to their most recent record Hung at Heartsince it came out earlier this year. It has a definite California feel, especially in the bright ringing of the guitars, which is probably how they fit into the festival. Or maybe it’s that organ hanging out on the record.

Regardless, if you’re going to be making it out to the festival this weekend, then this should be one of the acts you check out, and if not, then you should at least fall in love with their record.

The Growlers play Sunday, April 28th at the Levitation Tent at 10:30 PM.

Someone make the rain go away! It’s dampening my spirts, and it’s dampening the grounds about town, but that won’t stop us at Free Week. Tuesday had tons of hits, but we’re pushing forward with another great evening of live music from Austin’s hard working musical class. Get out there and enjoy some free rock n’ roll. Read more